7 Days Rwanda Wildlife Safari

Chimpanzee in Nyungwe National Park
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Overview

A 7 Days Rwanda Wildlife Safari is the ultimate adventure for wildlife lovers and cultural explorers alike. This 7 Days Rwanda Wildlife Safari takes you from the vibrant streets of Kigali to the lush forests of Volcanoes National Park.

The savannahs of Akagera, and the scenic shores of Lake Kivu. From thrilling gorilla encounters to spotting the Big Five, this combines Rwandaโ€™s iconic wildlife with rich cultural experiences and breathtaking landscapes.

Before we dive into the details, here are the daily highlights. But also, find our other safaris here!

Daily Highlights

Day 1: Arrival & Kigali City Exploration โ€“ Genocide Memorial, Kandt House, Inema Arts Center, Kimironko Market
Day 2: Rwandaโ€™s Heritage Corridor & Museum Tour โ€“ Nyanza Royal Palace, Ethnographic Museum, Environmental Museum
Day 3: Big Five Game Drive & Lake Ihema Boat Safari
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking & Ibyโ€™Iwacu Cultural Village
Day 5: Tea Plantation, Hot Springs & Boat Trip on Lake Kivu
Day 6: Napoleon Island, Coffee Experience, Pottery & Banana Beer Brewing
Day 7: Nengo Trail Hike & Return to Kigali

Inclusions

  • All ground transportation and fuel

  • Professional English-speaking guide throughout

  • All park entry fees and permits (gorilla trekking, Akagera)

  • Accommodation for 6 nights (as specified)

  • Meals as specified

  • Guided cultural experiences

  • Taxes and travel insurance coverage

Exclusions

  • International flights

  • Personal expenses (snacks, drinks, laundry)

  • Tips for guides and porters (optional, based on satisfaction)

  • Optional activities fees

Itinerary

1Arrival & Kigali City Exploration

Our guide will pick you up rom your residence / hotel / lodge and immediately, set off for our 7 days adventure.

Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a moving and educational site honoring Rwandaโ€™s past.

Then step into Kandt House Museum of Natural History. To learn about Rwandaโ€™s natural heritage.

Have lunch and then discover contemporary African art at Inema Arts Center.

Conclude the day with a stroll through Kimironko Market for a vibrant local shopping experience.

Overnight at desired hotel.

2Rwandaโ€™s Heritage Corridor & Museum Tour

After a delicious meal for breakfast, drive to southern Rwanda to explore the Heritage Corridor.

Visit Nyanza Royal Palace Museum to experience Rwandaโ€™s traditional monarchy, the Ethnographic Museum in Huye.

Which houses the countryโ€™s largest cultural collection, and the Environmental Museum in Karongi, Rwandaโ€™s only sustainability-focused museum.

Have lunch and either relax at the hotel or visit Gisagara Hot Springs allows for relaxation.

Overnight at hotel

3Akagera National Park Safari Adventure

Have an early morning breakfast and then head to Akagera National Park, home to the Big Five. Embark on a full-day safari, spotting lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo across the savannah.

Have lunch at the hotel and then step out again for a boat safari on Lake Ihema, enjoying views of hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife.

Return to Kigali in the evening and overnight at hotel

4Volcanoes National Park โ€“ Gorilla Trekking & Ibyโ€™Iwacu Cultural Village

After breakfast, travel to Volcanoes National Park for the highlight of your 7 Days Rwanda Big Five and Primate Safari, gorilla trekking.

Trek through bamboo forests to encounter mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, a truly unforgettable experience.

Have lunch at the hotel and later, visit Ibyโ€™Iwacu Cultural Village to engage in traditional Rwandan customs, drumming, and storytelling.

Overnight at a lodge near the park.

5Lake Kivu (Rubavu) โ€“ Tea Plantation & Hot Springs

Have an early morning meal for breakfast and then drive along scenic Lake Kivu to Rubavu (Gisenyi). Visit a tea plantation, learning about Rwandaโ€™s tea production and enjoying tastings.

Have lunch and theย  relax at the Rubavu Hot Springs and later enjoy an evening boat trip on Lake Kivu, taking in the serene waters and surrounding hills.

6Karongi (Kibuye) โ€“ Napoleon Island, Coffee & Cultural Experiences

After breakfast, travel to Karongi for a day of exploration and culture. Visit Napoleon Island, home to thousands of bats, then experience a local coffee tour, learning about Rwandaโ€™s finest coffee production.

Participate in pottery-making sessions and taste traditional banana beer, engaging fully with local traditions. You will also enjoy their local cuisine for lunch.

7Nengo Trail Hike & Return to Kigali

Start the day with a morning hike along the Nengo Trail, enjoying scenic views of Lake Kivu and surrounding hills. After the hike, take a leisurely drive back to Kigali, with optional last-minute shopping or relaxation before departure.

Have lunch and conclude your 7 Days Rwanda Big Five and Primate Safari with unforgettable memories of wildlife, culture, and Rwandan landscapes. Return to Kigali.